Steaming Meat: Using Your Rice Cooker To Perfection

Rice cookers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for more than just cooking rice. In this article, we will explore the different ways you can steam meat in a rice cooker, including cooking meat and rice together, steaming fish or meat, and braising meat or making meat stews. We will also provide tips and tricks for getting the most out of your rice cooker and ensuring your meat is cooked safely and to perfection.

Cooking meat with rice

Rice cookers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you cook rice to perfection. But did you know you can also use them to cook meat? In this guide, we'll show you how to cook meat and rice together, as well as some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your rice cooker.

Choosing Your Meat

When cooking meat with rice, it's important to choose the right type of meat. Soft, thin meats such as chicken and fish work best. You can also cook thicker meats like beef, but they may require a bit more preparation.

Preparing the Meat

Before cooking, wash your meat and cut off any excess fat. Cut the meat into thin slices or cubes to ensure even cooking. You can also marinate the meat in a mixture of your favourite spices and herbs. Try garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper for a delicious flavour.

Cooking Meat and Rice Together

This method is a convenient way to cook both rice and meat at the same time. Simply add your uncooked rice and the correct amount of water to your rice cooker. Prepare your seasoned meat and place it on top of the rice. Turn on the rice cooker and let it boil. Once it's done, your rice and meat will be cooked to perfection!

Using a Steaming Tray

If you want to steam your meat, you can use the steaming tray that usually comes with your rice cooker. Place the meat on the tray and set it inside the rice cooker. Add water to the cooker and turn it on. This method ensures your meat is cooked evenly and stays moist.

Braising Meat

You can also braise meat or make meat stews in your rice cooker. Simply turn on the cooker to the 'cook' function and saute any vegetables or meat. Then, add your liquid and cover with the lid to let it cook. This is a great way to make a hearty, one-pot meal.

Cooking Tips

• Always monitor the temperature of your meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked safely.
• Don't open the lid too often, as this can interrupt the cooking process.
• If you're cooking meat and rice together, be mindful of the water-rice ratio to ensure your rice is cooked to your desired doneness.
• Experiment with different recipes and meats to find your favourite combinations!

By following these simple steps, you can easily cook meat with rice in your rice cooker. It's a convenient and efficient way to prepare a delicious and hearty meal.

Steaming fish or meat

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Firstly, ensure you have a steam rack that fits inside your rice cooker. If you don't have one, you can use a suitable wooden rack or a bamboo steamer that sits on top of the pot. You will also need to fill the cooker with water—use 2 cups (500ml) of water for fish and 2½ cups (625ml) for chicken, pork, or beef.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish or Meat

Season the fish or meat according to your preference. If you're cooking fish, you can create slits on both sides to help the seasoning penetrate the flesh. You can also prepare a sauce to cook the fish or meat in, ensuring there is at least 1 cup of liquid to cook the food thoroughly.

Step 3: Place the Fish or Meat in the Rice Cooker

Place the seasoned fish or meat onto the steam rack inside the rice cooker, or onto the bamboo steamer/wooden rack if that's what you're using. Make sure the food isn't touching the bottom of the rice cooker to avoid burning or malfunction.

Step 4: Cook the Fish or Meat

Turn on the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a timer, set it according to the cooking time of your fish or meat. For fish, this is usually around 20-25 minutes. For chicken, it should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.5°C), while beef and pork must reach at least 145°F (62°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Step 5: Serve

Once the fish or meat is cooked, turn off the rice cooker and carefully remove the food from the steam rack or bamboo steamer. Serve immediately with your choice of sides and garnishes.

Remember, it's important to monitor your food while it's cooking to avoid overcooking, and always follow food safety guidelines when handling and preparing meat and fish.

Braising meat or making stews

To braise meat, you'll first want to sear the meat in some oil to brown the exterior. Then, you can add vegetables and liquid—broth, wine, beer, cider, or water—and simmer the meat over a gentle heat for several hours. Braising usually uses just enough liquid to come halfway to three-quarters of the way up the meat, whereas stewing submerges the food in liquid.

Here's a recipe for Korean Braised Short Ribs in a Rice Cooker:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and sliced bite-sized
• 2 small carrots, peeled and sliced bite-sized
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• Short ribs
• Kimchi
• Soy sauce
• Tobanjan
• Beef broth
• Water
• Snow peas
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

• Add vegetable oil to a pan over high heat and sear the short ribs on each side until golden brown.
• Using the slow cooker mode on the rice cooker settings, add the short ribs, onions, kimchi, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, tobanjan, beef broth, and water. Cook for 60 minutes.
• Add potatoes, carrots, and snow peas. Cook for 30 minutes.
• Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 30 minutes.

You can also make a beef stew in a rice cooker. Here's a recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 shallots, peeled and quartered
• 1 pound small red potatoes, halved
• 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, halved
• 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Steps:

• Toss the beef cubes with the flour, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper.
• Pour olive oil into the non-stick inner pot of the rice cooker.
• Add the beef cubes, shallots, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, thyme, and rosemary to the pot.
• Add the tomato paste, sugar, red wine, and beef broth, and stir well.
• Season with salt and pepper, then stir again.
• Use the Menu button to set the rice cooker to the "Slow Cook" setting and increase the cook time to 180 minutes. Close the lid and press Start.
• When the stew is finished, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Cooking chicken

Rice cookers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you cook rice to perfection. But did you know that they can also be used to cook meat and a lot of your favourite foods?

Yes, you can cook chicken in a rice cooker. It is one of the best meats to cook in a rice cooker because it is a soft, thin meat.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in a Rice Cooker

• If you are cooking chicken and rice together, cut the chicken into thin slices so that it cooks through.
• If you are cooking chicken on its own, use a steam rack so that the meat does not touch the bottom of the rice cooker and burn or cause a malfunction.
• For chicken, it is recommended to use 2½ cups (625ml) of water.
• To avoid overcooked meat, set your own timer, as the rice cooker will only turn off once all the water has evaporated, not when your meat is cooked.
• You can leave the meat in the rice cooker on the 'warm' setting, but not for too long, as it may overcook.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm that your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165F / 73.5C.

Chicken and Rice Recipe

This recipe is inspired by Hainanese chicken, a popular dish made with poached chicken and rice that's easy yet super flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs (boneless is best)
• Jasmine rice
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Chicken broth
• Coconut aminos
• Avocado oil
• Rice vinegar
• Green onion
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Marinate the chicken in a bag or bowl with salt, pepper, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and avocado oil.
• Rinse the rice in the rice cooker until the water runs clean.
• Add the chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and salt and pepper to the rice cooker.
• Top the rice with the chicken thighs and marinade, making sure the chicken is not overlapping.
• Top with green onion.
• Place the lid on the rice cooker and set to cook (this should be around 20 minutes).
• Once cooked, check the chicken for an internal temperature of 165F.
• Fluff the rice and serve the chicken and rice together with a vegetable of your choice.

Cooking beef

Firstly, it is important to note that almost any meat can be cooked in a rice cooker, including beef. The rice cooker essentially works as a steamer, so it is perfect for cooking soft, thin meats. For thicker cuts of beef, you will need to braise the meat, which requires a certain amount of water or a water-based liquid such as broth or stock.

There are three main ways to cook meat in a rice cooker:

• Cooking Meat and Rice Together: This method involves adding the rice and the correct amount of water to the rice cooker, and then placing your seasoned meat on top. The pressure and steam created will cook both the meat and the rice. Ensure that the piece of meat is not too thick or big, and cut it into thinner slices if necessary.
• Steaming Meat: For this method, you will need a steam rack that can be slotted into the basin of the rice cooker. Pour in the recommended amount of water (2 1/2 cups or 625ml for beef), place the seasoned meat on the steam rack, and turn on the rice cooker. To avoid overcooking the meat, you may need to set a timer, as the rice cooker will only turn off once all the water has evaporated.
• Braising Meat or Making Meat Stews: This method is perfect for one-pot meals such as beef stew. Turn on the cooker to the 'cook' function, and once hot, saute any vegetables or meat. Then, add in the liquid and cover with the lid to allow the dish to cook. For braised meats and stews, you may need to add more water or liquid to ensure the rice cooker works effectively.

When cooking beef in a rice cooker, it is important to monitor the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature. Beef must be cooked to at least 145°F (62°C).

Additionally, it is recommended to sear or brown the meat before placing it in the rice cooker to improve the flavour and texture.

Frequently asked questions